On Saturday 18th February 2017, the Westminster Cathedral, in London, received the visit of the national Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the relics of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto. This event promoted by the World Apostolate of Fatima in England and Wales marked the beginning of the Fatima Centennial celebrations and the journey of Our Lady’s statue around the cathedrals of the country, during this year.
On this occasion, the Pilgrim Virgin Statue, blessed in 1967 by Pope Paul VI, in Fatima was solemnly crowned by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, with a new silvergilt Centenary Crown. This very special crown, blessed by Bishop Antonio Marto, of the diocese of Leiria-Fatima, was created and offered by Casa Leitão, the same Portuguese firm that in 1942, also made the rich bejewelled crown for the statue of Our Lady of Fatima venerated in the Chapel of the Apparitions. At the end, Cardinal Vincent led the prayer of consecration of England and Wales to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Thousands of Catholics from across England and Wales filled the cathedral for Mass and some others had to stay outside, for there were no more places available.
The event was closed with a Fatima Symposium held in the Cathedral Hall, with guest speakers who addressed the meaning and relevance of the Fatima message for today’s world.
